We’ll resolve SIM card registration “deficiencies” – Ursula

The Ministry of Communication has assured the general public it is
working to resolve “deficiencies” in SIM card registration in Ghana.

In a statement signed by the Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful,
telecommunication networks have been urged to ensure strict compliance
with the SIM registration and activation processes in line with the
relevant statutory provisions.

She said some of the deficiencies identified with the process
include: The sale of pre-registered SIM cards; The use of pre-registered
SIM cards and Fraudulent registration of SIM cards and the use of same.

According to her, these deficiencies facilitate criminal
activities such as Mobile Money fraud, Illegal SIM swap, Illegal
Termination of international traffic (SIM-Boxing) leading to loss of
revenue to the state, Impersonation and, Cyber-crime.

“Government
is committed to formalising our economy utilising technology as part of
the Digital Ghana Agenda (DGA) and ensuring the integrity of an
integrated national database and systems. This will build security,
trust and confidence in the use of digital services, and help establish a
fully functioning digital economy.

“While we partner the relevant institutions for the
complete rollout of the National Identification cards for SIM
registration, the National Communications Authority (NCA) has been
directed to ensure strict compliance with the law and engage Mobile
Network Operators (MNOs) and all relevant stakeholders to address these
deficiencies,” said.

-Section 73
(a) of the Electronic Communications Amendment Act. 2016 (Act 910) which
prohibits the use of SIM cards to terminate international calls as
local calls, empowers the NCA to issue directives to MNOs to prevent,
detect or disconnect SIMs used for that purpose and makes this illegal
termination of calls subject to a term of imprisonment and/or a fine.

-Section 73 (b) of the Electronic Communications Amendment Act. 2016
(Act 910) also criminalises the use of pre-registered SIMs for any
purpose and makes it an offence punishable by a fine of not more than
three thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not more
than five years or to both.

“For
the purposes of this section, a “pre-registered subscriber identify
module or user identity module ‘means a module that has been registered
with the data cf a person other than the person who finally acquires the module for use on a network except as permitted by law,’” the release stated.

The Ministry has assured the general public that it is committed to
building a strong, secure and resilient communications industry for the
benefit of all citizens.

In that
regard, the Ministry says it will ensure the full implementation of all
laws on the acquisition and registration of SIM cards.

“We are therefore encouraging all subscribers to verify the current status of their SIM registration by dialling *400# Toll free on any network. Subscribers may also call their Service Providers on 100 Toll Free if they have any issues with the service.”